The series began back in September 1999 on NBC. It registered as the 40th most-watched show of the season and was still renewed. In year two, it moved up to #25 and then peaked in season three, at #14.

The cop drama’s essentially been in decline ever since but, considering the poor shape of the rest of NBC’s schedule, it’s still a top performer for the peacock network.

To no surprise, NBC has renewed SVU for next season. No word on when season 12 will debut but the network is supposed to release its schedule on Sunday.

What do you think? Are you happy to hear that SVU return for season 12? Is it the best of the franchise or is there a better one?

I was in Florida for four months this year and never stopped watching SVU. They had twice two days of 24 in the four months, I was down there and stayed up watching every show. Benson and Stabler are the best, they really show about the victim. Now I am back in Connecticut and can’t wait for new season to begin. I love this show.

I for one love law and order svu! I love all the crazy episodes the thrill i get from watching each episode..always sitting in suspense!! I fell in love with both Benson and Stabler.. never get enough of them, just wish they would bring on more chemistry! I do hope for another season after 12.. and i really dont think i would watch the show anymore without mariska and chris. I would like to see the writing to be more crazy, fun. It does have a bit of a dry taste to it.. but overall its exciting to watch these detectives come together as a team and crack the case! Definitely love Olivia Benson the most!! I hope she stays for sure!!

I love this show with a burning passion, and childishly hope it will continue playing for the next ten years <3 Though I know that won't happen, I do hope and pray it will continue for at least another five years, and I believe it will. *knock on wood* =)
However, I sort of agree with Really Anonymous on the fact that they all seem a bit worn out, don't they? The whole show does not have that same…feeling, as it once did. Still, I love this show so much and stand by to hope it will get better. Maybe they just need a little time to settle into the characters again, after all, people are bound to be a bit bored, it's been on for eleven years! All we can do is console ourselves with the old episodes, and hope they manage to get that fiery, strong feeling back on screen. I've picked up on that gloomy, tired, vibe that they've all been sending.
Personally, I think it would really help if they brought Casey Novak back. I know most people are obsessed with Alex Cabot, but I like Casey SO much better and really miss her wit and character. Plus, I like her relationship with both Olivia and Elliot. That whole lesbian thing with Olivia and Alex that fans say they want to happen I find disgusting, unrealistic, and it would just absolutely ruin everything. Casey and Olivia had a really cute and comforting big-sister, little-sister thing going on, which I loved. Plus, she and Elliot had a strong friendship, while Alex is just plain rude and sometimes snobby with Elliot. It's plain he didn't like her. Anyway, to wrap things up, Casey is my favorite character, if you couldn't tell already =), and I'm all for bringing her back. (Olivia is an extremely close second, and first, now that Casey's gone. <3)

I agree with this completely! I will never understand why people go nuts for Alex and Olivia. Just thinking about it makes me sick, you know? Not because it is a lesbian relationship, but because Casey and Olivia have so much more in common and would be a great couple. Alex and Olivia is just…ew?

I was really happy at first that this Law and Order SVU was renewed only to be sadly and gravely disappointed to see the Season 12 episodes decline in every way. The new DA they have is like a blank wall paper compared to Stephanie Marsh and Diane Neal. The writing is superficial and does not bring the best out in both main characters Stabler and Benson. Everyone seems tired. Did they all just throw in the towel and figure they got 11 great years lets just stop now? Seems that way. Hard to believe the producers and directors of the show as well as Mr. Wolf wants SVU us fans to remember the last season and send off of the Law and Order SVU family this way. I am so insulted for the entire cast that I can’t even watch the new episodes now.